Raleigh Travel Guide

North Carolina's capital, Raleigh, makes up the southeastern
corner of the famous Research Triangle, with Durham and Chapel Hill
at the other two points. The state's second-largest city is a vital
centre of high-tech business and education. Unlike many cities that
grew up around ports or stations, Raleigh was planned specifically
to be the state capital. At its centre stands the beautiful North
Carolina Capitol building, a fine Greek Revival-style landmark,
from which wide, oak-lined streets radiate. This careful geometry
makes exploring Raleigh quite straightforward. Raleigh is a
pleasant city, with a unique mix of Southern heritage and down-home
manners; elite academia and boisterous university life and
athletics; and the fast-paced, sleek sophistication of Triangle
professionals.

Raleigh is often lumped together with nearby cities Durham and
Chapel Hill, and though the three are only about a 30-minute drive
from one another, they are different communities. Durham was once
one of the most thriving African-American centres in the country.
Today, its main attraction is Duke University, one of the top
schools in the United States and home of the Blue Devils, another
sports powerhouse. Its downtown areas, however, have suffered in
the past years, although revitalization efforts are underway.
Chapel Hill, meanwhile, has the reputation of a lovely college
town, with beautiful old homes; endless independently-owned coffee
shops, pubs and restaurants; and a decidedly liberal leaning. It is
home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, another
top American institution, and the beloved Tar Heels, another top
force in college athletics. The three cities, and their massive
college sports followings, remain friendly rivals.

Raleigh is a perfect destination for those seeking to experience
a bit of Southern history and culture without giving up the
attractions of a big city. Raleigh's restaurants serve up plenty of
sweet tea and mouth-watering barbecue, but it is also known as the
'Smithsonian of the South' for its renowned museums and excellent
performing arts scene.

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